Happy New Year!

Welcome 2010!  I don't know that I'm actually excited for 2010.  For me it means a whole lot more doctor appointments, chemotherapy, surgery, torture...you get the idea.  But at the same time, it does mean another wonderful year to spend with my two special kids and Tyson, and what more could I really ask for? 

What better way to start the year off than to shave my head?  Right?  Well it's not exactly a great start, but that is how the day started.  My hair had been falling out for four days, and it was messy.  I couldn't quit combing it and pulling it out (it didn't take much 'pulling'), and so I finally broke down and let Mackenzie and Tyson cut my hair and then shave it all off.  Mackenzie was quite excited about getting to cut my hair.  She kind of scared me with the scissors, but she was a great help.  Then Tyson took over, and she kept giving me hugs.  She was so sweet about it.  It was emotional, but as soon as it was over, I felt quite a sense of relief and it really hasn't been hard to deal with.  I'm glad it is over with and gone.  I thought Collin and Mackenzie would have a hard time with my new look, but they don't seem phased at all.  I have been talking to Mackenzie about it for quite a while to prepare her, so all she has been asking me is if it is growing back yet as she lifts up my scarf and looks underneath.  It's going to be a while.

There are two other ladies in my ward who were diagnosed with cancer just weeks after me, and the ward has been absolutely great, but in shock I think.  One man decided to shave his head in support of us.  I talked to him today and he said he was trying to get the young men to do the same as he pointed to one of them who already had.  I didn't know who the boy was, but while the sacrament was being passed by this boy, Mackenzie had pointed at him and whispered to me, "Momma, he has hair like you do".  I thought it was so cute.  I had no idea at the time he had shaved his head in support of me.  I do appreciate all the support I have been given by the ward and by all my friends and family, but please no one else shave their head!